Council, Finance Board Adopt Budget

BRISTOL — The city council and finance board voted unanimously Monday to adopt a $112.5 million operating budget, a plan that lowers spending but raises the tax rate for the first time in five years.

Meeting in joint session, the two panels stumbled procedurally through about 15 budget-related motions. The bumpy script for the session mirrored the annual budget-writing process itself, a process made more difficult by the additions of a new comptroller, finance board chairman and computers throughout city hall.

The new tax rate of 28.9 mills -- up 9 percent from 26.5 mills -- was attributed to the first citywide adjustment of property values since 1987. The tax rolls dipped nearly 15 percent overall to reflect the relatively deflated real estate market compared to the late 1980s.

The budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1 calls for spending: $15 million for public safety; $10.2 million for health and welfare; $65 million for education; $1.8 million for parks and recreation; $1.3 million for libraries; $10.2 million for public works; and $6 million for all other municipal services.

Bristol Mayor Frank N. Nicastro Sr., a Democrat, hailed the budget as a sound fiscal document that leaves city reserves high and protects taxpayers. Because property values went down for most homeowners, many tax bills will be lower in July despite the 2.4-mill increase. The tax rate rose slightly in 1993, Nicastro's first year in office, but remained flat for the next five years.

``We went through revaluation. While most cities who are not going through revaluation are going up 2, 3 and 4 mills -- and dipping deep in their reserves -- we're holding the line on taxes,'' Nicastro said. ``I'm proud of this budget.''

Former Republican Mayor William T. Stortz, who has yet to announce his political intentions for this municipal election year, asked several questions about the budget before it was approved. Stortz made several minor observations about the budget, but did not attack the document.

``The budget is good for the taxpayer -- this year; it is a one-year budget,'' Stortz said after the 30-minute meeting. ``It is hard to say how much this will affect next year or the year after.''

Among other things, Stortz pointed out that officials are increasing their estimate of the money they will actually collect in taxes next year. Traditionally, officials project they will collect 97 percent of what it is billed. This budget estimates 98.5 percent collections, giving officials more revenue to work with.

``I don't know that we are going to collect more money next year than we did this year or last year,'' Stortz said.

Based on the adopted budget, owners of property assessed at $100,000, 70 percent of full market value, will pay $2,890 in taxes next year.